Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a delicious and convenient side dish that can elevate any meal. Perfect for gatherings or as a comforting weeknight dinner addition, these potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy bacon bits. With their quick cooking time in the air fryer, they make it easy to satisfy your cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
• Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
• Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
• Step 3: Cool and Scoop
• Step 4: Prepare the Filling
• Step 5: Stuff the Potatoes
• Step 6: Final Cooking
• Step 7: Serve
• How to Serve Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
• As a Standalone Snack
• With a Side Salad
• Accompanied by Grilled Meat
• Topped with Extra Ingredients
• At a Gathering
• With Dips
• How to Perfect Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
• Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
• Reheating Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes ahead of time?
• What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
• How do I customize my Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes?
• Can I use other types of cheese?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking Time: The air fryer cooks the potatoes faster than traditional methods, giving you perfectly baked potatoes in about 30 minutes.
• Irresistible Flavor: Combining creamy sour cream and melted cheddar cheese ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Side Dish: These Twice Baked Potatoes pair well with almost any main course, from grilled meats to holiday feasts.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add different toppings like jalapeños or switch up the cheese to suit your taste.
• Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in the air fryer means fewer pots and pans to wash afterward.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this amazing recipe, gather your tools for a smooth cooking experience. Having everything ready will make the process easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Potato masher or hand mixer
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This is essential for achieving that perfect crispy skin while keeping the inside fluffy.
• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is necessary for mixing all the creamy filling ingredients together.
• Potato masher or hand mixer: These tools help create a smooth texture for your mashed potato filling, ensuring an even mix of flavors.

Ingredients

To create these Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, you’ll need:

• 3 medium russet potatoes
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled or 6 tablespoons bacon bits)
• Chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)

How to Make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and dry the whole potatoes thoroughly using a paper towel. Brush each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Poke several holes in each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204°C) for at least three minutes. Place the prepared potatoes in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Check for doneness by piercing them with a toothpick; they should be tender when done.

Step 3: Cool and Scoop

Once cooked, let the potatoes cool for about ten minutes so they are easier to handle. Carefully cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer of potato attached to keep the skins intact.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, mash the scooped potato insides using either an electric mixer or a potato masher until smooth. Add softened butter, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 5: Stuff the Potatoes

Fill each potato shell with the creamy mashed potato mixture. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon bits evenly over each half.

Step 6: Final Cooking

Return the stuffed potatoes to the air fryer basket. Cook for an additional 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.

Step 7: Serve

Serve your Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes hot! Garnish with chopped green onions if desired for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy this delightful side dish at any meal!

How to Serve Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a versatile dish that pairs well with many meals. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Standalone Snack

• Perfect for enjoying on their own, these potatoes are filling and flavorful.

With a Side Salad

• A fresh green salad balances the richness of the cheesy potatoes, adding lightness to your meal.

Accompanied by Grilled Meat

• Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops for a hearty meal that satisfies any meat lover.

Topped with Extra Ingredients

• Experiment with toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, or additional cheese for added flavor and texture.

At a Gathering

• Serve as an appetizer at parties; they’re easy to grab and eat while mingling with guests.

With Dips

• Offer ranch dressing or barbecue sauce on the side for dipping; this adds an extra layer of flavor.

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How to Perfect Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

To achieve the best results with your Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose the right potatoes: Use medium-sized russet potatoes for optimal texture and flavor.
• Don’t skip the fork pokes: Poking holes allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing sogginess.
• Adjust cooking time based on size: Larger potatoes may need more time in the air fryer; check doneness with a fork.
• Experiment with seasonings: Customize flavors by adding spices like paprika or herbs into your potato mixture.
• Use high-quality cheese: Opt for freshly shredded cheese over pre-packaged for better melting and taste.
• Let them cool before handling: Allowing cooked potatoes to cool slightly makes scooping easier and safer.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes can be complemented by various side dishes. Here are some ideas for a well-rounded meal.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing the richness of the potatoes.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad pairs nicely, providing crunch and zest alongside creamy potatoes.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy sprouts add bitterness that contrasts beautifully with cheesy flavors.
4. Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread offers a satisfying crunch and buttery goodness that enhances your plate.
5. Coleslaw: The tangy freshness of coleslaw cuts through the richness of twice baked potatoes.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled to perfection add smoky flavors that complement the dish perfectly.
7. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn provides juiciness and a pop of sweetness alongside savory baked potatoes.
8. Stuffed Mushrooms: Flavor-packed stuffed mushrooms make an excellent appetizer or side, adding variety to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for.

• Skipping the Poking Step: Not poking holes in the potatoes can cause them to explode in the air fryer. Always poke several holes with a fork to let steam escape.
• Overcrowding the Basket: Filling the air fryer basket too much can prevent even cooking. Make sure there is enough space around each potato for proper airflow.
• Not Checking Doneness: Rushing the cooking time may leave your potatoes undercooked. Use a toothpick to check if they are tender before removing them from the fryer.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season the potato skins can result in bland flavors. Brush them with olive oil and sprinkle salt generously before cooking.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold sour cream or butter can cool down your filling. Always use softened butter and room-temperature ingredients for a creamy texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

• Wrap individual potatoes tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze them for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 15-20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes.

Can I make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mashed filling ahead of time and stuff it into the potato skins later. Just store them separately in the refrigerator.

What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their fluffy texture when baked. They hold up well during baking and reheating.

How do I customize my Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes?

You can add different cheeses, spices, or even vegetables like broccoli or jalapeños to enhance flavor and texture according to your preference.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda cheese for varied flavor profiles in your twice-baked potatoes.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are not only delicious but also versatile. They make an excellent side dish for any meal and can be easily customized with your favorite toppings. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!